Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement

DPIE Closure 3-16-20 Eng
DPIE Closure 3-16-20 Spanish
Prince George's County, Maryland Proud, Get to Know Us!

Welcome to the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE)!

DPIE is the result of an initiative to streamline county government operations in the areas of permitting, business licensing, inspections and property code enforcement.​​

DPIE Director Melinda Bolling in front of Flag

DPIE Notice for Residents and Business Community

As we all endeavor to abide by the national social distancing directive established to slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), DPIE has modified its delivery of services. Although DPIE’s offices are closed to the public, the agency continues to assist our customers through increased online services. Phones are staffed during business hours in every division and staff members are responding to emails. Every effort is being made to be as responsive as possible to the community and business neighbors who require our services.

Read more here. . .

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DPIE offers the information below in preparation of storms that bring high winds and heavy rain – possibly flash and urban flooding.

Alert Message, DPIE Alert: STORMS, Steps to Help Mitigate Storm Damage
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Notices

Pre-Construction Meetings Required Prior to Permits
Permit Extension Fees Expire
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Business Development Section Presentations Available for Viewing

The Business Development Section recently held a webinar on the Peer Review Program, an optional program offered to allow permit applicants to hire approved peer reviewers to review their plans in lieu of having the plans evaluated by DPIE personnel. The program reduces the review time associated with construction plan approval. To view the presentation and videos, visit DPIE’s PowerPoint Presentations.

Peer Review Program Webinar
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County Council Constrains Some Rent Increases, Evictions During COVID-19 Crisis

Effective June 29, 2020, the Prince George’s County Council has amended the Landlord–Tenant Code to place prohibitions on some rent increases, evictions and the imposition of late fees during the current COVID-19 health emergency. The Code was amended in Council Bill CB-016-2020, an Emergency Bill introduced May 18, 2020. The legislation was introduced to assist tenants who can provide documentation or otherwise verify that they lost their jobs and their ability to pay rent as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. The provisions of CB-016-2020 will remain in effect until 90 days after the termination of the current Maryland State of Emergency declared March 5, 2020, by Gov. Hogan.

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Information Translated to Other Languages

In an effort to share both departmental and County information with our communities, we are publishing pages in other languages.  Select the Resources tab at the bottom of the left column.  Be sure and check back on a regular basis as we continue to convert and add additional DPIE documents, as well as County notices and COVID-19 updates.

Illegal restaurant from home
Illegal restaurant from home Spanish
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Environmental Health Change in Permit/License Process

Please be advised, effective June 20, 2020, all PLANS are required to be submitted electronically.  Refer to the ePlan Applicant User Guide for instructions on how to submit plans.  If you need assistance call:

  • Environmental Engineering/Policy Program:  301-883-7681
  • Food Protection/Policy Program:  301-883-7692
  • DPIE Health Review:  301-883-7621
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DPIE Restaurant Temporary Outdoor Seating Area Permit

Restaurant Outdoor Seating

Providing Restaurants with an Outdoor Seating Option to Increase Dining Opportunities for Citizens

In the wake of the COVID-19 emergency, Prince George’s County has established a process geared to helping restaurants reopen under special conditions as part of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ modified Phase 1 County reopening. DPIE has established a Restaurant Temporary Outdoor Seating Area Permit (RTOSA), effective June 1, 2020, to allow restaurants to serve customers in permitted outdoor seating areas. The outdoor seating areas will augment the carry-out and delivery services many restaurants have offered to provide citizens with varied dining options during the current health emergency.

How to Seek Approval for Outdoor Table Service

The modified Phase I Prince George’s County reopening plan allows qualified restaurants to reopen on June 1, 2020, with outdoor seating with a Restaurant Temporary Outdoor Seating Area (RTOSA) Permit. Tables are required to be spaced six feet apart and the seating area must be separated from the sidewalk or street by a three-foot barrier. Wheelchair access and restroom facilities must be provided.

If your restaurant’s current Use and Occupancy Permit (U&O) allows you to operate an outdoor seating area, you may establish an outdoor seating area as of June 1, 2020, utilizing appropriate mandated social distancing requirements.

For more information about the process, visit our Temporary Restaurant Outdoor Seating page. For restaurant reopening frequently asked questions, visit the Restaurant Concierge Portal. Apply for RTOSA Permit.

Contact

For information or assistance, contact DPIE Permit Supervisor Clarence Moseley at cemoseley@co.pg.md.us or 301-883-5913.

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ePlan Training Web

ePlan Customer Trainings Offered via Zoom

Thursday, August 20, 2020
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

DPIE is offering monthly virtual ePlan Customer Training to show how to complete online applications and upload plans for review in our ePlan system. Training sessions are free and are held the third Thursday of every month. (Please do not come to DPIE offices as they are closed to the public at this time.)  The Zoom link will be provided to registered customers 48 hours prior to the training.

All those who wish to attend the August virtual class need to reply no later than August 13th by clicking the activities link. You may also send an e-mail to one of the following contacts or call the phone number:

Robin — ramclean@co.pg.md.us

Dunia — dksantamaria@co.pg.md.us

Danielle — dmrobinson1@co.pg.md.us

(301) 636–2050

To cancel or reschedule, please notify one of the above persons via e-mail or call the phone number.

Please Note: If there are less than 4 people signed up for a training, the class will be cancelled; the persons signed up to attend will be notified and moved to the following month’s class.

All customers scheduled to attend an ePlan Customer Training session must print out a copy of the "ePlan Applicant User Guide" for the class.

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Change in Processes Due to the Coronavirus

Plans rolled and stacked to Mail

Changes to DPIE Drop Box

Effective immediately, new Permitting and Plan Review drop box procedures are to be followed. Read more here.

Inspections Hard Hat with County Seal

DPIE Now Offers Virtual Inspections of Limited Projects

DPIE is offering limited virtual inspections as an alternative to on-site inspections. Virtual inspections allow County inspectors to perform on-demand inspections from remote locations, utilizing technology instead of direct interaction with the public. Read more here.

Grapes in farmer's hands

Farmers’ Market Procedures During COVID-19 Emergency

Modifications have been made to the Farmers’ Market Temporary Use Code Operations.  For more information, view the Health Licensing’s Food Service Facility (FSF) Permits page and read the "COVID-19 Farmers’ Market Operations" list of vendor requirements.

The word Bonds and pen

Mandatory Upload of Site/Road Permit Bonds

Effective Monday, May 4, 2020, Permitting and Licensing Division’s Site/Road Permits process requires all permittees to UPLOAD THEIR BONDS FOR OFFICE OF LAW review and approval via ePlan (ProjectDox/ProjectFlow) for ALL site development cases. Read more here.

Inspector JS working outside with laptop on the hood of his car

Changes to DPIE Inspections Division Inspection Processes

The DPIE Inspections Division has suspended inspections of occupied existing residential/commercial interior renovations, alterations, and any additions associated with the projects. Read more here.

Plans in Permits, house specs on blueprint

Licenses and Permits Expiration Dates Extended

In accordance with the March 12, 2020 “Order of the Governor of the State of Maryland,” the expiration date of certain licenses, permits, registrations, or other authorizations issued by the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) is hereby extended. Read more here.

Enforcement found house with broken pillar and gutter

Enforcement Division Curtails Inspections

Due to social distancing requirements established in response to COVID-19, DPIE’s Enforcement Division is now performing essential operations only. This mandate was put in place to keep County residents and employees safe. Read more here.

Retaining Wall

DPIE Mandates Electronic Permitting Submittals through ePlan System for Retaining Walls

Effective Wednesday, April 15, 2020, Building Permit applications for retaining walls must be submitted through ePlan system.  Read more here.

Electrical Panel

Boards & Commissions Electrical Board

The Electrical Board will not be accepting applications for electrical examinations or requests for retakes until further notice.  Please check back for updates.

MDE suspension of services letter

Other Agency Updates

Message from MDE

Please see the letter from the Maryland Department of the Environment regarding soil evaluation, perc tests and well inspections.

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Coronavirus Information

To stay up-to-date with the latest information, view Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks’s newsletters.

For more information and printable factsheets in English and Spanish, visit the Health Services page.

Face Coverings
Face coverings are required by state law when in stores or on public transportation. If you don’t have a face mask, you can make one from a bandana, scarf or t-shirt. Here are a couple of easy ways to create your own with materials you may already have at home. Make your own mask!  En español, hacer su propia mascara!

Face Covers Save Lives - English
Face Covers Save Lives - Spanish
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Great News for Food Trucks!

As of January 3, 2020, the elimination of the food truck hub license fee (per County Council CB-37-2019) goes into effect. Also, the yearly Fire Department inspection fee of $75 was reduced to $35. The license is administered by DPIE and may be renewed annually. There's never been a better time to launch a food truck business in Prince George's County!

Food Truck with customers in Prince George's County's parking lot.
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Floodplain 2 wikipedia, shows land partially flooded by stream source

NOTICE:  County Preparation of Floodplain Studies Has Been Suspended

Effective December 1, 2019, Prince George’s County will no longer prepare 100-year floodplain studies using Department of Environment (DoE) staff. The County staff members who have prepared these studies are retiring. For this reason, the County will suspend this service. Preparation of these studies will resume after staff positions have been filled at some point in the future. Meanwhile, engineering firms will need to prepare the floodplain hydrology and hydraulic studies and delineations required for 100-year floodplain.

For questions, contact Salman Babar, Floodplain Engineer, DPIE Site/Road Plan Review Division, at 301-636-2063 or SUBabar@co.pg.md.us.

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2018 Water and Sewer Plan Cover, adopted 2019

Adopted "2018 Water and Sewer Plan" Is Here!

The adopted "2018 Water and Sewer Plan" is available under Publications. For water and sewer plan questions, contact Shirley Branch, Water and Sewer Plan Coordinator, at sabranch@co.pg.md.us.

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Prince George’s County Short-Term Rentals (STR)

The Prince George’s County (Maryland) Council adopted legislation to establish a Short-Term Rentals Program in the County. The program is administered by the County’s Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE).  As of October 1, 2019 Short-Term Rental Licenses are required in Prince Georges County.  For more information and step-by-step instructions on how to fill out the STR applications, please visit our Short-Term Rentals page.
NiceBedroom
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NOTICE:
Building Permit Fee Multiplier Adjustment

Effective July 1, 2019, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement will change the building permit fee multiplier used for new building construction and additions.

free art Panda

The new formula will be calculated by using the Building Valuation Data (BVD) issued by the International Code Council dated February 2019. The International Code Council updates the BVD table bi-annually; however, Prince George’s County will update the fee multiplier annually.

The BVD table provides the “average” construction costs per square foot, when calculating permit fees for new construction and additions within a jurisdiction. The 2015 International Building Code gives instructions concerning permit fee schedules in Section 109.2 and building permit valuations in Section 109.3.  Permit applications submitted prior to the effective date will be calculated by the appropriate BVD.

For additional information or questions regarding this Notice, please contact Mr. Bellur Ravishankar, Associate Director, Building Plan Review Division at 301-636-2070.

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Maryland State Government logo

NOTICE:  MHIC Procedure Changes

All applicants using Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) contractors are required to follow the procedures indicated below:

• Submit a letter on company letterhead from the MHIC licensed contractor indicating:  MHIC license number; date of letter; MHIC licensed contractor’s name and signature; and list of person(s) authorized to obtain permits with their license.  

• The identification of each contractor and their designee will be verified to ensure validity of license and authorization by the MHIC licensed contractor.

Should you have any questions regarding this notice, please call 301-636-2050.

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Permitting and Licensing & Building Plan Review Division Application Intake Hours

Service
 Day Hours
Operational Intake
 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Operational Intake
 Wednesday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Residential Walk-thru
 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Commercial Walk-thru Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Residential/Commercial Walk-thru
 Wednesday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Divisional Office Hours

Division Day Hours
Site/Road Plan Review
 Monday - Friday
 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Inspections
 Monday - Friday
 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Enforcement
 Monday - Friday
 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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